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Akeso Biopharma is a biopharmaceutical company that discovers, develops, and commercializes innovative bispecific antibodies for cancer and autoimmune diseases, based in Zhongshan, Guangdong, China. The publicly traded enterprise operates with a market valuation exceeding $15 billion and maintains a workforce of over 3,400 employees across its integrated facilities. The firm generates revenue through commercial drug sales and strategic partnerships, highlighted by a $5 billion out-licensing agreement with Summit Therapeutics. Its oncology portfolio features Ivonescimab, which recently outperformed Merck's blockbuster drug Keytruda in a Phase III clinical trial for non-small cell lung cancer, alongside commercial collaborations with Sino Biopharmaceutical. The organization also recently secured its first product approval from the FDA for Penpulimab, expanding its global regulatory footprint. Akeso Biopharma was founded in 2012 by Michelle Xia, Bai Yong, Wang Zhongmin, and Zhang Peng.
Akeso Biopharma has raised $195.5M across 2 funding rounds.
Akeso Biopharma has raised $195.5M in total across 2 funding rounds.
Akeso Biopharma is a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company specializing in antibody therapeutics for oncology and immunology.[1][2] It develops innovative drugs and biologics through rigorous clinical trials, targeting regulatory approvals from bodies like the U.S. FDA and China's NMPA to deliver new therapies to patients.[1] Akeso serves patients with cancers and immune disorders, addressing unmet needs in treatment efficacy and accessibility by advancing investigational medicines toward market approval, while prioritizing clinical trial participation over expanded access programs.[1][2]
The company demonstrates growth momentum as a commercial-stage player actively seeking U.S. and EU partnerships for development and commercialization, signaling expansion beyond its Zhongshan, Guangdong base in China.[2]
Akeso Biopharma emerged as a biotech focused on R&D in therapeutic antibodies, though specific founding details like year or key founders are not detailed in available sources.[1][2] Its backstory centers on a commitment to clinical innovation, conducting trials to gather safety and efficacy data for oncology and immunology drugs, with a pivotal emphasis on securing approvals from major regulators like FDA and NMPA.[1] Early traction likely built through this pipeline, evolving into a commercial-stage entity now exhibiting at global events like BIO International Convention 2025 and pursuing international partnerships.[2]
Akeso rides the global wave of antibody therapeutics in oncology and immunology, where biologics address complex diseases amid rising demand for targeted, less toxic treatments.[2] Timing aligns with accelerating FDA/NMPA approvals for Chinese biopharmas, fueled by market forces like aging populations, immunotherapy breakthroughs, and cross-border partnerships amid U.S.-China biotech collaborations.[1][2] It influences the ecosystem by exemplifying China's outbound biotech push, enhancing competition and innovation in antibody R&D while bridging Eastern manufacturing scale with Western commercialization needs.[2]
Akeso is poised for pipeline milestones, with potential FDA/NMPA nods unlocking U.S./EU markets via partnerships.[1][2] Trends like AI-accelerated antibody design and combo therapies will shape its trajectory, amplifying growth if trials yield strong data. Its influence may evolve from regional player to global contender, tying back to its core mission of innovative patient therapies through disciplined clinical advancement.[1][2]
Akeso Biopharma has raised $195.5M in total across 2 funding rounds.
Akeso Biopharma's investors include OrbiMed, GTJA Investment Group, Shenzhen Capital Group.
Akeso Biopharma has raised $195.5M across 2 funding rounds. Most recently, it raised $150.0M Series D in November 2019.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 1, 2019 | $150M Series D | — | OrbiMed | Announced |
| Aug 29, 2017 | $45.5M Series B | Gtja Investment Group | Shenzhen Capital Group | Announced |